Dubai police: black panther sighting just a domestic cat

Announcement follows days-long search of the Springs and Meadows area

Dubai Police and rescue teams are patrolling in The Springs and Meadows area. Authorities are looking for an exotic wild animal on the loose that was sighted in the residential community on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National

Police officers and Dubai Municipality officials were in Meadows 9 on Wednesday afternoon. Courtesy: Shuchita Gautam / The National

A police official prepares to launch an aerial drone to scan the Springs district, south of Dubai Marina, following reports of a big cat on the loose. Authorities urged the public to call 999 if they spot a creature that resembles a large black cat. The National

Dubai Municipality is looking into claims that an exotic black cat was spotted roaming around a neighbourhood in the emirate on Tuesday. Shuchita Gautam / The National

Authorities advised members of the community to exercise caution around what was believed to be a wild cat and to call 999 if they spot it. Pawan Singh / The National

Police cars, a municipality car and an ambulance seen at the entrance of Springs 4. Authorities are looking for a big black cat that was sighted in the community on Tuesday. Shuchita Gautam / The National

A police car on patrol. Emaar security says the animal is still on the loose but an extensive search is underway. Pawan Singh/The National

Dubai Police on Thursday confirmed the animal spotted in the Springs area was a domestic cat and not a wild animal.

After an examination of the area where the black cat was first sighted, wildlife experts concluded there was no evidence there was a jaguar on the loose in the neighbourhood, Dubai's Media Office said.

Officers reassured the public and community residents that the viral video of the animal was carefully analysed and experts determined that it was a domestic cat.

The force said it has taken all measures to ensure the safety of residents and urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information on social media.

Police and municipal officials spent several days looking into claims of a large wild animal on the prowl since Tuesday.

A video of the sighting, said to be in the Springs 3 area, was shared on the community’s dedicated Facebook page.